The election of chairman of the Tunapuna Piarco Regional Corporation yesterday took place without any hiccups. Patricia Mejias said her re-election could be attributed to the democratic process and unity among the different parties in the corporation.
"The Tunapuna corporation was an exemplar for the other corporations...We have representation for all three parties and we have all worked together as one for the burgesses," she said. "We follow a democratic process which was void of any kind of in-fighting." Mejias said she was very proud to be re-elected and this showed that the councillors had confidence in her leadership. This year marked the seventh year Mejias has been chairman and fourth time being sworn in.
She also noted that the PNM-sponsored Mori Poll rated the corporation as the number one in nine regions and second in the 14 municipal corporations in the country. However, she called on the councillors to continue the momentum and dedication. Referring to the proposed local government reform, Mejias said the new shifting of the boundaries might increase their responsibilities. It might include the inclusion or exclusion of some areas, she added.
She said the councillors must build a relationship with their respective communities and MPs must work together with the councillors in order to achieve the required results. Also in attendance were Health Minister Jerry Narace, who was Mejias immediate predecessor, Minister in the Ministry of Social Development Alicia Hospedales and Senator Laurel Lezama.